Prohibited Items in Winnebago County Complex 4/15/08

Winnebago County Sheriff's OfficeNews Media Release

NewsRelease Number2008-015

Information: Prohibited Items In Winnebago County Complex

Date: May 5, 2008

Time:0800 Hrs.

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Narrative:Effective Monday, May 5, 2008, there will be some changes implemented at the security entrances to the Winnebago County complexes.The attached documents explain items that will not be allowed past the security checkpoints in these buildings.In the past, persons who possessed items on this list had an option of leaving it with security and collecting it when they left the building.THIS WILL NO LONGER BE THE CASE.Persons who possess any items on the attached prohibited item list, or any other item that may be deemed dangerous, will have to secure the item(s) in their vehicle or discard the item(s) prior to entering the secure areas of these buildings.Additionally, though they are not prohibited from the buildings, cell phones, cameras, and video recorders are prohibited from use in the court rooms.Statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U. S. Department of Justice point out 2 disturbing facts to support this action:·An average of 20 people are murdered and 18,000 are assaulted while working or on duty in the United States;·1 in every 6 violent crimes occurs at work.By implementing this process, persons may experience a delay in entering the buildings, but by being prepared for the change, citizens can help ease the process.There will be signage posted at the entrances to the buildings prior to entry in the security screening area to provide direction to the public so they have an opportunity to be aware of the prohibited items.We appreciate the public’s cooperation in implementing this process.